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Night Beds // Even If We Try

I knew a woman, lovely in her bones, When small birds sighed, she would sigh back at them … -Theodore Roethke

I am going to take liberty with Theodore Roethke’s opening line of his poem “I Knew A Woman” and offer this, “I know a song, lovely in its bones, when small birds sighed, song would sigh back at them…” The song “Even If We Try” by the Night Beds make me sigh. I’m sure I am not the only one. I am moved by the music of Night Beds, and this song, like so many others they’ve penned, positions me into introspective poses. The music is every thing it makes of a listener: regretful, forlorn, bitter, sad or joyful because you’ve skirted romantic disaster this lifetime. But for those of us who’ve suffered and learned through heartache, this song is a whiskey-soaked barb beneath the skin covering a bruised heart. I’ve think you’ll like this song, and I hope you find your way through it, but don’t rush. Take all the time you need, for its beauty is amplified with each and every listen. Go to the band’s website at nightbeds.org where you can get two FREE downloads from the Night Beds forthcoming album Country Sleep. Peace. Continue reading “Night Beds // Even If We Try”

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Spanish Prisoners // Know No Violence (Video)

Check out the Jono Chanin directed video for Spanish Prisoners’ first single “Know No Violence,” from their Gold Fools album. The video has all the snowy goodness of the white winter season, plus a delusional amnesiac hipster chick. Yes, good stuff. I really love this song, so much so that I’ve provided the lyrics so you too can all sing along. I am really too nice to you guys. Peace.

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Nitelife // On The Run (Our Sunday Best)

Here in Michigan you kind of know what you’re getting into, we got four seasons. At times though, it seems there is only two; a hot, too muggy season, and a bitterly (schizophrenic) cold season. Pretty simple right? But when listening to the sunshiny music of Ann Arbor, Michigan-based electrolyte-synth duo Nitelife, it is easy to imagine tropical-esque weather the whole year round. Darin Rajabian and Caroline Myrick are the figurative gas and pedal propelling this bright shiny new musical vehicle forward. And as frontwomen go, it is easy to get lost in the flurry of sweetness that is Caroline Myrick’s vocals. Vocals I might add, which are perfectly counterbalanced by the clever and whimsical synth-work of Darin Rajabian. And with a sound reminiscent of 80’s electro-pop (think New Order meets Erasure), and add the echoing vocals of a 90’s Artificial Joy Club, but with the edges all billowy cotton-ball soft, and your pretty close. Regardless of musical references, you’ll not only like the first single release “On The Run,” but the whole kit and kaboodle of their Radio EP is not only good, it’s highly recommended. Check it out after the jump, and after you click play, this chilly Michigan weather will be a distant memory. Peace. Continue reading “Nitelife // On The Run (Our Sunday Best)”

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This Is A PopScene #1 // (Various Artist)

I got this in my inbox about 8 hrs ago, and even after I read it I was a bit hesitant about writing a review. Don’t get me wrong, it’s for a good cause. I mean, aside from big business and world governments who can turn their backs on sick children? Well, not me. So, after a spell I sat down at my workstation (kitchen table) and clicked on the bandcamp link and listened. Now, even before I clicked play I scanned the bands listed and not one did I recognize, and for some reason that excited me to no end. Who doesn’t like discovering new music, right? I’ll say this, This Is A Popscene #1 is totally badass for all the right reasons. Sorry for the vulgar language, but badass is the first adjective that came to mind, and it’s an apt and formidable descriptor for the music on this compilation. You’d do well to remember the lot of featured bands here, culled from the UK, Ireland & US, and with a diversity of sounds, that not only compliment, but exemplifies a host of serious up & coming talent. Without a doubt this is a twofer, you buy the great music and you’re supporting a great cause too. As my Pa used to say, “You can’t beat that with a stick.” Peace. Continue reading “This Is A PopScene #1 // (Various Artist)”

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Kishi Bashi // Manchester (Live Performance (Video)

When I first heard Kishi Bashi sing the song “Manchester” it instantly hit a chord with me, it’s like a tidal wave of sunlight, or akin to time spent with a good friend and every second spent in their company is all smiles a magical laughter. The song Manchester just leaves me feeling refreshed and just ‘good’! I hope it has the same effect on you. Now, Kishi Bashi has the highly imaginative, and expertly shot Brandon LaGonke directed live performance of Manchester, with not only more of his beautiful lulling voice, but his Pied Piper violin work is as beautiful as it is masterful, and o-machidō sama, just check it out after the jump. Peace. Continue reading “Kishi Bashi // Manchester (Live Performance (Video)”

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Christopher Norman // Connect Me

Born in Traverse City, Michigan but currently residing in Ann Arbor, MI the ingenuous and highly catchy music of Christopher Norman has burrowed its way into my head … and I like it. This bright new up and coming singer/songwriter/producer is well on his way to gaining, not only recognition here in Michigan, but he is more than poised to make a huge splash elsewhere as well. Want proof? Listen to his indie-produced single “Connect Me” and if it fails (it won’t) to get you moving and smiling, then you my friend may be in need of a defibrillator or an hearing-aid. Also, check out his sonically well-crafted EP2 released September 2011, this is 5-beautiful songs shot through with enough giddy frisson to last you long after the songs have ended. Yes, you may have guessed, I’m a fan. Peace.

“Connect Me” (2012)

EP2 (2011)

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Spanish Prisoners // Downtown Chicagoland (Alternate Takes)

Although “Downtown Chicagoland” is the third single from their spectacular record Gold Fools, these two alternate take mixes come from their soon to be released mixtape Prior Art. And, you can cop a limited-edition cassette tape especial through Spanish Prisoners’ Kickstarter campaign. Click for details for the Spanish Prisoners: Make our VANTASY come true! Hey, I’m donating, so let’s help an indie band out. Peace.  Continue reading “Spanish Prisoners // Downtown Chicagoland (Alternate Takes)”